India tells Antigua government to detain Mehul Choksi

New Delhi, July 30 (UNI) In a quick reflex action immediately after the government received information about the likely presence of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi in Antigua, India had requested the authorities in Antigua and Barbuda to detain him.

‘Our High Commission in Georgetown had alerted the Antigua and Barbuda government, in writing and verbally, to confirm his presence in their territory and detain him and prevent his movement by land, air or sea,’ an informed source said here on Monday.

The development comes days after Choksi, an accused in the PNB scam, has reportedly claimed he had taken Antiguan citizenship last year to expand his business.

The source further said, ‘Our High Commissioner is meeting the relevant authorities in the Antigua government today. We continue to liaise with relevant agencies to follow up on this matter.’

Diamond merchants Choksi and Nirav Modi are being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation on Rs 13,400 crore scam.

The PNB fraud, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in February this year, and has snowballed into a major controversy with the Congress accusing the government of ‘turning a blind eye’ and allowing the two businessmen to flee.

The source also pointed out the passport of Choksi was revoked in February.